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Original poster

Really loose tooth WWYD

15 replies

EarthMotherImNot · 02/01/2011 13:51

All over Christmas one of my back teeth has been loose. I know I should see a dentist but I'm the chairperson of the Wuss Club.

There isn't much pain unless I catch it but it's so loose it's practically going for a walk around my mouth.

Should I try and pull it out, and how? Or should I let nature take its course?

OP posts:
PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 02/01/2011 13:56

You know the answer, don't you? Smile

Go to the dentist woman!

Take an MP3 player and earphones, let them get on with it while you lie back and think of - well, whoever does it for you. Personally I take Victoria Wood with me whenever I go for anything other than a check-up. Dentist said it was disconcerting to see one of her 'nervous' patients giggling happily away on the couch while she was ferreting about in my mouth.

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 02/01/2011 14:12

I can't, I just can'tSad

OP posts:
PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 02/01/2011 14:19

You must. (Said gently)

Options:

Ask a friend to take you.
If your dc is old enough to behave, take them with you - it's amazing what we can do for our dc. I never show fear when they are with me as I don't want them to be afraid. I have faced several fears and phobia this way, including dental.
Get an emergency appointment at your GP and ask for a tranquilliser to take beforethe dentist appt.

But do it. A loose tooth may be rescued or repaired. A gap is harder to deal with. And why is the tooth loose? Isthere something else going on that the dentist needs to treat before things get worse...?

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 03/01/2011 07:48

Thank you PrettyCandlesSmile

It came out all by itself, well I may have wiggled it a tadBlush

The reason it was loose is down to being filled badly years ago and having to be re-done, that and old ageWink

OP posts:
PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 03/01/2011 09:41

EarthMother, you still need to be seen by a dentist. Heavily filling teeth does not cause them to come loose.

Your gums should normally provide a good seal with your teeth. If they do not that is when the theeth loosen and infections can get in. Dental infections can have major repercussions on your health. Not to mention the fact that the gap you now have could have repercussions on your chewing comfort. It's not just that you now lack a chewing surface: the rest f your teeth will gradually move so that top and bottom teeth will e ventually no longer 'mesh'.

This happened to my mum, and it was very uncomfortable for her. In the end she spent £1000s getting it fixed with braces and dental surgery in her 70s. It would have been much easier, cheaper, and taken much less time had she had it fixed there and then, in her 30s.

SwearyMary · 03/01/2011 09:53

A loose tooth in an adult signifies gum disease and bone loss in the jaw, it needs treating as your other teeth will become loose too. Ask someone to go to the dentist with you.

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 03/01/2011 11:12

Ladies, I wish I had that courage. I had an awful experience with a dentist when I was 15, thats over 40 years ago Shock and the nightmares are still with me.

I have been to the dentist since and have never had a good experience with any of them which hasn't helped.

Sorry to be such a wussBlush

OP posts:
nurseblade · 03/01/2011 11:15

You have most likely got periodontal disease and will lose the rest if you don't get it looked at.

Which area are you in? I may be able to recommend a dentist who is good with nervous patients.

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 03/01/2011 11:26

I'm in the north east nurse, but honestly, nervous doesn't begin to cover it.

I'm normally quite a brave person but this is one area I can't get over.

I have tried sedation and dentists used to scaredy cats but nothing helps.

OP posts:
deleting · 03/01/2011 11:26

I didn't go to dentist for about 15 years and had a terrible phobia so know how you feel. Had a really awful dentist who terrified me and was very heavy handed when i was young. It's changed so much since then though and when I finally plucked up the courage to go it was a HUGE relief and although I still worry a couple of days before going i can cope with it now. Dentists are now so much more clued up on phobias and there's a lot they can do to help. Could you ask someone to recommend a sympathetic one. You have to go otherwise you might lose more.

deleting · 03/01/2011 11:28

Hypnotherapy?

PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 03/01/2011 15:21

Hypnotherapy is an excellent idea.

nurseblade · 04/01/2011 18:36

Is this place anywhere near you?

I met the team on a course and they were lovely. They won a best practice award last year. I'm nothing to do with them, I work in the SE but they may be able to help you:

www.oliverdental.com/

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 05/01/2011 06:56

Thank you nurse, I'll have a look, no promises mindBlush

OP posts:
wendihouse22 · 05/01/2011 17:10

Please go and get checked out. You may end up with a mouth full of dentures, if you're not careful.

I am horribly scared of going. I went regularly every 6 months ALL MY LIFE but haven't been now for 2 years because, I'm scared of needing anything. I've had a lot of work done in my mouth because of tetracycline treatment over a period of years (for kidney disease) as a child so, I've EARNED my phobia. I actually start to cold sweat even before I get in to the room never mind the chair BUT....... If I had teeth FALLING OUT OF MY MOUTH I'd be there, like a shot!!!

You can (and must) do it girl!!

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